Sketch of suspect in attempted UCLA sexual assault released

LOS ANGELES - Campus police today released a sketch of a man suspected in the attempted sexual assault of a female UCLA student on a walkway between a parking structure and a campus building.

The student was attacked by a man as she walked between parking structure No. 9 and engineering building No. 4 around 1:15 a.m. on Jan. 7, campus police said.

"The suspect exited the parking structure and approached the victim from the rear. He ran after the victim, placed her in a bear hug and told her he intended to sexually assault her," according to police.

As the assailant tried to take the victim down to the ground, she broke free and fled, police said, and he ran away.

The man is described as white, light-skinned, approximately 30-35 years old, 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall with a thin build and short black hair. He wore a gray hoodie and blue jeans.

Anyone with information about the suspect was urged to call UCLA police Detective Selby Arsena at (310) 825-9371 and reference report number 13-0029. Anonymous tips can be left by calling (310) 794-5824.

In response to the attack, campus police reminded students and others on campus to protect their safety by taking common-sense steps like avoiding walking alone at night and using the campus officer escort service.